CNN: U.S. blasts Russian "indiscriminate attacks" in Syria
(CNN)The U.S. sharpened its criticism of Russian airstrikes in Syria on Tuesday, charging that "indiscriminate attacks" had reportedly caused hundreds of civilian casualties and the displacement of over 100,000 residents.
"We've seen a marked and troubling increase in reports of these civilian casualties since Russia commenced its air campaign," a spokesman for the U.S. State Department said.
The spokesman, Mark Toner, cited reports that "Russian airstrikes in Syria have killed hundreds of civilians, including first responders, hit medical facilities, schools and markets, and led to the displacement of over 130,000 Syrians."
More News On Russia's Air Campaign Over Syria
Rise in Syrian civilian deaths since start of Russian air campaign 'troubling' - U.S. -- Reuters
US Notes 'Troubling' Rise in Civilian Deaths From Russian Airstrikes in Syria -- VOA
US warns Russia over civilian deaths in Syria -- DW
Russian airstrikes kill over 2,300 in Syria, says human rights group -- The Guardian/AFP
Russia Under Renewed Criticism For Killing Syrian Civilians -- RFE
Russia killed 792 civilians in Syria and helped displace 130,000: reports -- Middle East Eye
US cannot confirm that Russia uses cluster munitions in Syria — State Department -- TASS
Russia denies 'absurd' claims that air strikes in Syria are killing hundreds of civilians -- ABC News Australia
Russia rejects 'absurd' claims over civilian deaths in Syria -- AFP
US: Russian Airstrikes on Syrian Civilians 'Disturbing' -- VOA
Russia made 121 air sorties on Dec 28-29, hit 424 targets in Syria: defense ministry -- Reuters
Russian Air Force Strikes Islamic State Leaders in Syria -- AP
Russia eliminates several ISIS commanders in Syria air op, data provided by opposition - MoD -- RT
sour grapes from the State Dept Daily Briefing:
ReplyDeleteMR TONER: Sure. So during his call, as I mentioned yesterday, with Foreign Minister Lavrov, Secretary Kerry did discuss our concerns about Russian airstrikes killing hundreds of civilians. He also highlighted our concern that the killing of Jaysh al-Islam leader Zahran Alloush – who, as I said, was a leader of a group that supported a political process to end the conflict – complicates our efforts to bring about a meaningful political negotiated settlement as well as a nationwide ceasefire.//
Kerry has never been concerned about US airstrikes killing thousands of civilians over the last fourteen years, so that's a nonstarter.
Alloush of the Islamic Front was Saudi Arabia's agent in Syria, and therefore of course Kerry is concerned about his death and the "political process" he supported, which was to displace the Syria government with a US-Saudi one.
Sorry abut that. Russia doesn't buy it, Lavrov was no doubt amused by the call, and it's yet another US setback.